£79m player does something really ‘stupid’ after explaining Newcastle United transfer snub

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Hugo Ekitike has had no regrets since joining Liverpool over Newcastle United, until now.

The Magpies tried desperately hard to sign the Frenchman this summer, at a time when Alexander Isak had not publicly stated his desire to leave St James’ Park.

Newcastle thought they were signing Ekitike, only for Liverpool to swoop in and strike a £79million deal.

Since his arrival at Anfield, Ekitike has been on fire. He has scored five goals in eight appearances, with his latest strike proving to be the winner in the Carabao Cup third round against Southampton.

However, seconds after putting Liverpool 2-1 up, Ekitike was heading for an early shower.

Arne Slot slams Hugo Ekitike after embarrassing red card

After hitting the back of the net, Ekitike took off his shirt in celebration. He held it up and showed the name on the back of it to the Anfield crowd, just like Lionel Messi did in 2017.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old was already on a booking, resulting in a second yellow card. Ekitike was sent off, forcing Liverpool to play the remaining minutes with 10 men. It also means he is suspended for the Reds’ Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Following the game, Arne Slot did not hold back when asked to give his thoughts on Ekitike’s ridiculous red card.

“I think it’s always stupid to take your shirt off and take a yellow,” he said.

“If this happens somewhere in a game then every time you make a foul could be a second yellow.

“If you score a goal like this, at least that’s how I would have acted. I would have gone to the guy that gave me the assist. But that is not so important. It’s stupid to take your shirt off.”

Ekitike took to his official Instagram account to apologise, posting: “I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my teammates for securing this victory.”

Hugo Ekitike explains why he picked Liverpool over Newcastle United

Ever since Liverpool bought Isak from Newcastle United for £125million, onlookers have questioned Ekitike’s decision to move to Merseyside.

Suddenly, Liverpool have two elite centre-forwards and it is difficult to see how Arne Slot gets both of them into his team.

Given the price tag, it will ultimately be Isak who starts most weeks once he regains total sharpness following a summer that saw him go on strike at Newcastle United. In that respect, perhaps Ekitike made the wrong decision.

However, he insists he has no regrets over choosing Liverpool ahead of the Magpies.

“Why Liverpool instead of Newcastle? It was my choice, it’s what I wanted,” he told Canal+.

“Because I had a better feeling coming here, and I knew it was the right time and the right place for me. I wanted to return to the top level and this time come back better equipped, more ready in every way. And I don’t think I made a mistake.”